Several hundred came and stayed in support (for the better part of three hours) of their schools and the crowd spilled out both doors and down the stairs on both sides from the County Commission meeting room at the Putnam County courthouse Monday night.   It seemed all of Monterey and a good part of the city of Baxter came to participate in the Democratic process and advocate their need for new or additional school facilities. 

As Commissioner Jonathan Williams stated, “Looking at this audience, it’s like looking at a Norman Rockwell painting.  I applaud your willingness to be here tonight…to participate in the Democratic process.”   But however moving the “Rockwellian” scene, it wasn’t sufficient to sway the Commission to approve the required tax increase and investment required for new schools.

Supporters hoped to  persuade the County Commission to approve three things: a new Monterey High School, additions at Upperman High School and a new middle school facility in Baxter. The sea of purple shirts indicated a strong presence from Monterey in particular, as students, residents, teachers and leaders listened intently to the pre-meeting presentations by the public, and then to the debate amongst the commissioners themselves. 

A member of the economic development team for Monterey spoke about the relevance of the project to the economy there.  “Monterey matters and I can bring new businesses to Monterey right up until they see our high school…It is in the long run smart to approve this tax increase because, with it comes economic opportunities not only for Monterey, but for the county.”

A proposed 16.5 cent increase would have taken the property tax to $2.81 per $100 of assessed value but the vote of 16 to 7 was in favor of retaining the state level of $2.645.  

The tax increase would have funded a required investment of some $48-52 million and County Executive Kim Blaylock lobbied the Commission heavily in support of two of the three projects.  “This is where you determine who you are as a Commission.” challenged Blaylock, stating that a willingness to invest in such a project at the risk of constituent complaint would take courage.  

Blaylock pointed out that her proposal would cost taxpayers about $36 annually.   “In 1993, when we built Cookeville High School we raised taxes 54 cents in one year.  Talk about a Commission with guts.  In 1999 we raised taxes 12 cents to do building projects.  According to the 2010 census, 89% of the people who have a home that’s valued at less than $100,000.”

Commissioner Ron Williamson agreed, stating that the problems are known "today" and that "today we have an opportunity to address them."   Commissioner Chris Savage questioned the level of current debt for the county and how that debt level compared with comparable Tennessee Counties.

Commissioner Sue Neal spoke in favor of all three building projects, stating “The rate was not too high when we raised taxes 54 cents and it went to Cookeville.  Let me tell you…. Tax dollars come from the farms, the commercial and residential areas.  The one that is the least profitable is the residential and that’s primarily Cookeville.  The farm lands in the western end of the county are more profitable because there is hardly any expense around them.”  

Neal’s perspective was that the western end of the county and more rural areas of the county participated heavily in the tax contribution but not in the benefits of that contribution.  “It’s time we stood up and treated Baxter and Monterey the same as the rest of the county.

Commissioner Atnip opposed the proposal but articulated a desire to support schools and took issue with the challenge of passing the building proposition, “I resent the fact that it’s been presented that we don’t want to do the right thing or support children.  I assure you that every decision I’ve made has been about trying to do the right thing.  I want to see equality in education throughout this county.  But we’ve been asked to make a decision in a three week timeframe about spending $50 million and I believe that we need to look at this in more depth and firmly believe that we have time to do this right.  I just cannot, today, support how we’re going to fund it.” 

Jonathan Williams stated that he felt that the Commission had not had the opportunity to seriously examine the plan,  “We were first presented with the numbers on this process on August 4, just 11 days ago.   Before I vote to raise taxes, I have to have done my homework and be able to look at my constituents and tell them that is the only option.   I believe that we need additional room in Baxter and a new High School in Monterey.  I’m not saying no to those projects, I’m just saying not yet.”

Monterey resident Debbie Stephens stated “I want to talk about community identity and business opportunity… the one common thread that binds our community together is our High School.  We know the Wildcats, but we don’t know the name of the mayor…the events around a High School creates pride in a community and helps revitalize a town.  I hope that the rumor that Monterey High School would be removed is untrue.   We see the strength emerging in Baxter with Upperman High School’s new facility.  There are some things that the city leaders can’t control but the County Commission can.” 

Adam West, Monterey teacher and coach and former graduate stated “In 1995 citizen worked together to raise funds and replace carpet and make improvemen.  When the building was built, central heat and air was not the norm, the wiring is a concern, and our choir room is no longer safe to use."  

Director of Schools Kathleen Airhart was clearly disappointed in the outcome, as was Putnam County School Board Chairman Eric Brown, "We've done everything we know to do, providing information, putting together a requested zero increase budget and inviting paricipation." said Brown.  

But concerned Commissioners are looking for more involvement in projects of this size, or more time for review of the details. 

The Monterey and Baxter crowds were clearly disappointed as one Commissioner stated, "I wish I felt better about this decision --- I think we made the right call --- there's just not been enough time to examine this situation.   But I fully intend to take that time and find ways of supporting these projects. I think all of us agree that Monterey needs a change. 

Baxter schools, according to Director Airhart, have grown by a staggering 500 students in the past two years. 

It's unclear wtat the next steps will be for the School Board or Commission around this subject.